Android 2.2 Froyo for the Samsung Mesmerize now available from U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular has maintained a fair amount of transparency when it comes to their statements made about when exactly customers can expect upgrades for their devices not already running on Froyo. That said, if you are a Samsung Mesmerize user on U.S Cellular you can now head on over to their Android downloads page and get started on your update. [Facebook via U.S Cellular] Thanks, everyone that sent this in!

Kyocera launches Android Developer Program to support the dual-touchscreen Echo

Back when the Kyocera Echo was announced in co-operation with Sprint, Kyocera made mention they were going to be opening up a new developer program. That program was to be opened for app developers looking to gain access to all the special API needed to make apps work on Kyocera Echo's dual-screens.

Today, Kyocera has opened the doors to that developer program and as was noted in their press release, has already accepted some larger organizations. If you're interested in signing up you can hit the source link for the homepage -- or if you prefer, you'll find the full press release after the break, which gives some great insight into how things will work. [Kyocera via Businesswire]

Unauthorized Netflix app now working on Android [update -- not any longer]

Maptec from XDA has a working copy of Netflix for Android, streaming video just fine on his HTC Evo 4G. This is supposedly the same Netflix app from the LG Revolution system dump. Like many, Maptec was using the apk for a queue manager, and it received an auto-update today and suddenly started working. Magical.

We were told that Netflix would be coming to select Android devices based on hardware, so I'm as surprised by this one as anyone else. Remember if you try this one out that it's completely unauthorized, and you're probably breaking at least one licensing agreement with a company that has your name and credit card number. If you're not deterred, hit the source link and give it a try. [XDA Developers] Thanks everyone who sent this in!

Update: Now you see it, now you don't -- streaming video that is. Whatever wizardry that went on to make this one work has been undone, and we're back to waiting on Netflix again.

Acer Iconia Tab A501 coming to AT&T this summer

Although we've seen the Acer Iconia Tab at Mobile World Congress as well as at CES all signs for this 10.1 inch tablet with a 1280x768 display, running a NVIDIA Tegra 250 Dual-core CPU pointed that it was definitely headed for Verizon given that they announced it and everything. This version, the A501 however is headed to AT&T as they have officially announced they'll be releasing it come Q2. Hit the break for the full press release. [PRNewswire]

Samsung and AT&T enable Media Hub direct billing for Captivate owners

As the push for mobile content continues on, Samsung and AT&T have just announced that direct billing has been enabled for Samsung Media Hub Movie and TV content for AT&T Captivate owners. With wide selection from CBS, Fox, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros you can download and share content with up to five other devices and simply have the initial cost billed directly to your AT&T account. You will of course need Android 2.2 in order for it all to be copacetic but that should be much of a problem as the update is readily available for download.

Android Quick App: Opera Mini 6 and Opera Mobile 11

Year after year, version after version, Opera's mobile browsers keep getting better and better. And that brings us to the recent release of Opera Mobile 11 and Opera Mini 6 for Android.

For Opera Mobile 11, we're talking an improved user interface, better panning and scrolling -- no checkerboarding -- and other fixes that make Opera Mobile a top-tier browsing experience. For Opera Mini 6, you've got even more of the data compression that keeps your browsing fast on a slow connection, plus a new look and skin.

And we figured what better way to show you the new updates than to have Opera do the walkthrough here at CTIA. So check it out, then get your download on. [Opera Mobile 11, Opera Mini 6]

HTC Thunderbolt gets an easy root option

Developers have packaged the lengthy and cumbersome HTC Thunderbolt root process into an easy to use application that runs from your computer. You get the same root, using the same methods, without the work and potential for user error. There are a few caveats though -- you'll need to be using Windows, have a Tbolt with a firmware version lower than version 1.12.605.9, and there's the potential for a bug that will force you to head to IRC for a fix.

Not much feedback about this one yet, but we've set up a discussion thread in the Thunderbolt hacking forums, so if you have taken the plunge, thinking about taking it, or just have questions there's a place to do it. This certainly looks like some nice work, hats off to dbzfanatic for the program! [XDA Developers] Thanks everyone who sent this in!

Sprint HTC Evo 3D squeezes out HDMI through the microUSB port

If you happened to check out our hands-on with the Sprint HTC Evo 3D you would have heard mention of the microUSB to HDMI output that allows for photo, video and audio output. If you're lucky enough to have an MHL enabled TV it should also charge while displaying whatever it is you want it to. Oddly enough, that information was left off of the official announcement but is really one of the finer additions to the Sprint HTC Evo 3D.

While it is awesome to see the port finally being mentioned it is only to fair to note that this really isn't the first time it has come up on devices. Initially, it was mentioned to of have been enabled on U.S. released Samsung Galaxy S devices such as T-Mobile’s Samsung Vibrant and AT&T’s Samsung Captivate but it needed Froyo in order to work. Samsung later confirmed this as not being accurate despite them having made available the microUSB to HDMI cables on the Samsung site, which were quickly removed.

Although the history of the port seems a little confusing, one thing for certain is that its appearance on the Sprint HTC Evo 3D signals that it is now ready for market use. Hopefully, this time around we'll start to see a lot more devices making use of it. We'd be remiss if we neglected to note that Samsung once again has their name in the mix here as well. The Samsung Galaxy S II is also noted to be MHL enabled, something that went rather unnoticed across most media outlets.

Apple has tried (and failed) to let us know that if we don't have an iPhone we can't pay for our coffee, we don't have books in our pockets, we don't have an application store, and we don't have a tiny magical box filled with unicorn tears. OK, maybe they didn't say that last one. Android fan and filmmaker mmace decided that rather than shake his head like the rest of us slackers, he would rebut, and I think he's done quite the job! He also wants to urge everyone to join the fun and make their own video showing just what we do have when we're toting an Android phone. Now get the cameras out and get to work! Thanks, John!

Update: The new version of this begs for a second look. With a voiceover, this went from great, to incredible. Very nice work, my hats off to all involved.

HTC Thunderbolt battery tips and tricks (from the forums)

The HTC Thunderbolt is Verizon’s first 4G LTE device. This, combined with the 4.3-inch display, have us eager to know how long the battery will/can last. Aside from the speed, battery life is easily the most talked about aspect of the device, for better or worse.

The best way to gauge battery life is from a variety of users, and we have an excellent thread in our HTC Thunderbolt forums stickied.

Here are some quick tips from users that have improved battery life:

The preloaded Blockbuster app is set to scan info automatically by default. Users who have disabled this through settings in the app have reported a very positive effect on battery life

Turning off Friendstream (deleting the widgets)

Changing the display settings. Often times when looking at battery use (Settings->About Phone->Battery Use), display is the main culprit. It’s a beautiful screen, but even turning the settings to Auto-Brightness can help things.

These are just three examples of tips and tricks for better battery life. For more or to add some of your own, check out our thread, Happy Bolting!

Viewdle tags Facebook pics via AR

Next up from CTIA is Viewdle, which brings a cool little addition to your Android camera. It's facial recognition, tied into Facebook, all via a little augmented reality. Point, shoot, and it recognizes faces (after you teach it who's who), then automatically tag photos for Facebook. It's pretty slick actually. Check out the video above, and there's more at Viewdle's site. [Viewdle]

Nexus S receives BLN notifications thanks to custom kernel

The Nexus S is a fantastic device, but users found themselves often missing the blinking notifications found on the Nexus One. Rest assured Nexus S owners, because our friends over at XDA have brought Backlight Notifications to your device thanks to a custom kernel. Please find a video of the notifications after the break.

This is amazing news and a testament to how hardworking the development community is. For the download, head over to XDA. Note: There are some users reporting that they have experienced issues with the kernel, so follow the thread and whether it's working or not, give feedback to the developer. [XDA] [XDA thread]

Slacker delivers personalized ESPN sports coverage

Slacker, Inc. has announced that users will now have access to ESPN audio on their Android smartphones. With both a dedicated station and the ability to include hourly ESPN SportsCenter headline content into any Slacker Music station, users can make their own custom Slacker channel a little sportier.

The ESPN channel on Slacker brings coverage of all major sporting events, both regional and national, as well as content from ESPN programming -- including Mike & Mike in the Morning, SportsCenter, The Herd with Colin Cowherd and more. What may be the coolest aspect of this news is that users can use Slackers content search and filtering to create a station that brings them only the sports news they want to their already personalized stations. If you're a Slacker user, and a sports junkie, you need to have a look. The full press release and a download link are after the break.

Update: Slacker, Inc. has contacted us to let everyone know this is coming shortly and is not available today.

HTC Merge shows up at Alltel, preorders start March 28

The HTC Merge is no mystery to us, we have seen it at the FCC, we have gone hands on a time or two, and well, it's finally made its way to a carrier. The device has landed itself on Alltel for the pricing of $124.99 on new contract, which seems to be quite reasonable for this Android 2.2 device powered by a 800MHz processor. The preorder starts on March 28, so if you are an Alltel customer, be sure to keep your eyes on their site and place the order once available. [Alltel] More in the HTC Merge forums.

Verizon Wireless still aiming for 140+ cities covered by 4G in 2011

Back at CES Verizon had announced that they had already rolled out their initial 39 cities, and were expanding to 49 more, with plans to hit more then 140 cities by year end. Today, at CTIA Verizon announced that they will be adding 59 more markets to the existing ones, bringing them one step closer to their goal for the year. This news is bound to make many Verizon users happy, as they anxiously await 4G in their areas to take full advantage of new devices like the HTC Thunderbolt. Hit the break for a full list of covered cities, and the newly announced cities. [Verizon]

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